1997 Carpenter Counselor Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V207000
Manufacturer: CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 2nd, 1996
Manufactured End Date: May 29th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: September 4th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. ADDITIONAL REINFORCEMENT BARS WERE INSTALLED WHILE PERFORMING A PREVIOUS SEAT RECALL (98V-238). THESE BARS WERE INSTALLED INTO THE PROTECTION ZONE ON THE BACK OF THE SEATS.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Summary:
CARPENTER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. DEALERS WERE TO REMOVE THE ADDITIONAL STEEL REINFORCEMENT.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARPENTER AT1-765-965-4000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V262000
Manufacturer: CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: May 14th, 1998
Manufactured End Date: December 31st, 1998
Date of Owner Notification: March 19th, 1999

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON A SPARTAN CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT IS NOT PROPERLY LABELED AND COULD FUNCTION IMPROPERLY. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES 98V-017 CONDUCTED IN JANUARY 1998. THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE NONCOMPLIANCE.

Consequence Summary:
A BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAN OCCUR AND THE WARNING SYSTEM WOULD NOT WARN THE DRIVER OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPAIR KIT AND INSTRUCTIONS TO REPAIR THEIR VEHICLE. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A CARPENTER DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REMEDY FOR THEM.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 1999.THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES RECALL 98V-017.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR KIT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARPENTER AT1-765-965-4000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V238000
Manufacturer: CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 2nd, 1996
Manufactured End Date: May 29th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: November 25th, 1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THE BACK PANEL OF THE PASSENGER SEATS WAS NOT ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Summary:
CARPENTER WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH DETAILED INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE NECESSARY PARTS TO REPAIR THESE SEATS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 25, 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACTCARPENTER AT 1-765-965-4000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V077000
Manufacturer: CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: May 14th, 1995
Manufactured End Date: April 28th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: June 9th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. SIDE EMERGENCY PUSH-OUT WINDOWS MAY NOT OPEN PROPERLY DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH EXTERIOR BOW CAP. EMERGENCY DOOR(S) MAY NOT HAVE REQUIRED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS LOCATED ADJACENT TO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence Summary:
EXIT WINDOWS MAY NOT OPEN PROPERLY DURING AN EMERGENCY.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS OR IF THEY SO DESIRE, CAN CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 28, 1997. NOTES:OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARPENTER AT 1-317-965-4000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.